EP2151418B1 - Faisceau de fibres coupées, matériau de moulage, et plastique renforcé par des fibres, et leur procédé de production - Google Patents

Faisceau de fibres coupées, matériau de moulage, et plastique renforcé par des fibres, et leur procédé de production Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2151418B1
EP2151418B1 EP08751987.2A EP08751987A EP2151418B1 EP 2151418 B1 EP2151418 B1 EP 2151418B1 EP 08751987 A EP08751987 A EP 08751987A EP 2151418 B1 EP2151418 B1 EP 2151418B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fiber bundle
chopped fiber
reinforcing fibers
chopped
reinforcing
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Application number
EP08751987.2A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2151418A1 (fr
EP2151418A4 (fr
Inventor
Ichiro Taketa
Eisuke Wadahara
Narumichi Sato
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Toray Industries Inc
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Toray Industries Inc
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Publication of EP2151418A4 publication Critical patent/EP2151418A4/fr
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/30—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
    • B29C70/305—Spray-up of reinforcing fibres with or without matrix to form a non-coherent mat in or on a mould
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/06—Fibrous reinforcements only
    • B29C70/10—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres
    • B29C70/12—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat
    • B29C70/14—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres using fibres of short length, e.g. in the form of a mat oriented
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/06—Fibrous reinforcements only
    • B29C70/10—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres
    • B29C70/16—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres using fibres of substantial or continuous length
    • B29C70/22—Fibrous reinforcements only characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements, e.g. hollow fibres using fibres of substantial or continuous length oriented in at least two directions forming a two dimensional structure
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
    • C03B37/00—Manufacture or treatment of flakes, fibres, or filaments from softened glass, minerals, or slags
    • C03B37/10—Non-chemical treatment
    • C03B37/16—Cutting or severing
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
    • C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
    • C03C25/00—Surface treatment of fibres or filaments made from glass, minerals or slags
    • C03C25/10—Coating
    • C03C25/24—Coatings containing organic materials
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J5/00—Manufacture of articles or shaped materials containing macromolecular substances
    • C08J5/04—Reinforcing macromolecular compounds with loose or coherent fibrous material
    • C08J5/0405—Reinforcing macromolecular compounds with loose or coherent fibrous material with inorganic fibres
    • C08J5/042—Reinforcing macromolecular compounds with loose or coherent fibrous material with inorganic fibres with carbon fibres
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08—ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08J—WORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2375/00—Characterised by the use of polyureas or polyurethanes; Derivatives of such polymers
    • C08J2375/04—Polyurethanes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P40/00—Technologies relating to the processing of minerals
    • Y02P40/50—Glass production, e.g. reusing waste heat during processing or shaping
    • Y02P40/57—Improving the yield, e-g- reduction of reject rates
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
    • Y10T156/1084—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing of continuous or running length bonded web
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24058—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including grain, strips, or filamentary elements in respective layers or components in angular relation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
    • Y10T428/24132—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including grain, strips, or filamentary elements in different layers or components parallel
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/26—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component, the element or component having a specified physical dimension
    • Y10T428/269—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component, the element or component having a specified physical dimension including synthetic resin or polymer layer or component
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29—Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2913—Rod, strand, filament or fiber
    • Y10T428/298—Physical dimension
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T83/00—Cutting
    • Y10T83/04—Processes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates a chopped fiber bundle comprising a large number of reinforcing fibers.
  • the present invention relates to a molding material comprising an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the present invention used for molding of a fiber reinforced plastic.
  • the present invention relates to a fiber reinforced plastic comprising an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the present invention and a matrix resin.
  • fiber reinforced plastics comprising a large number of reinforcing fibers and a matrix resin are high in specific strength and specific modulus, excellent in mechanical characteristics and have high performances such as weather resistance and chemical resistance, they are drawing attention also in industrial application and their demand is increasing year by year.
  • autoclave molding method As a molding method of fiber reinforced plastic having high performance, autoclave molding method is mentioned in which material bases of semi-cured state (prepreg) of a large number of continuous reinforcing fibers impregnated with a matrix resin are laminated, and a fiber reinforced plastic is molded by curing the matrix resin by heat-pressurizing the obtained laminate in a high temperature-high pressure oven. This autoclave molding method is widely used.
  • RTM resin transfer molding
  • the fiber reinforced plastic obtained by these molding methods since the large number of reinforcing fibers are continuous fibers, has excellent mechanical property. And, since these large number of continuous fibers are arranged regularly in the material base, it is possible to design such that the fiber reinforced plastic has a necessary mechanical property by arrangement of the material bases to be laminated, and dispersion of mechanical property of the obtained fiber reinforced plastic is also small.
  • each of the large number of reinforcing fibers is a continuous fiber, it is difficult to form into a complicated shape such as a three dimensional shape, and these molding methods are used for production only of members of approximately flat shape.
  • the SMC molding method is a molding method in which an SMC sheet, made into semi-cured state by impregnating chopped fiber bundle, comprising a large number of reinforcing fibers which are usually cut into approximately 25 mm, with a thermosetting resin as matrix resin, is molded by heat-pressing by using a heat-press machine.
  • the stampable sheet molding method is a molding method in which a stampable sheet, made by impregnating chopped fiber bundle, comprising a large number of reinforcing fibers which are usually cut into approximately 25 mm, with a thermoplastic resin as matrix resin, is molded by being heated to melting point or more of the thermoplastic resin and arranging on a mold controlled to a predetermined temperature to be cold-pressed.
  • molding is carried out by arranging an SMC sheet or a stampable sheet cut smaller than desired molded article shape on a mold and by extending (by flowing) the sheet arranged on the mold into the shape of the above-mentioned molded article by pressurizing. For that reason, by the flow of the matrix resin and a large number of the cut reinforcing fibers, a mold following capability into complicated shape such as a three dimensional shape can be obtained.
  • chopped fiber bundle used in the conventional SMC sheet or stampable sheet is produced by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle comprising a large number of unidirectionally arranged continuous reinforcing fibers in perpendicular direction to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber.
  • a force is loaded on the molded article molded with a large number of such chopped fiber bundles and the matrix resin (fiber reinforced plastic), almost all of its force is born by a large number of chopped fiber bundles. That is, the large number of chopped fiber bundles shares the force with each other via the matrix resin.
  • each reinforcing fiber of the chopped fiber bundle used therein is about 25 mm, although a flowability of the reinforcing fiber at forming a molded article can be obtained, since the end of each reinforcing fiber is located at the plane perpendicular to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber, there was a problem that a crack is easy to be generated in the molded article which is molded.
  • Patent Literatures 1 and 2 which are produced by using chopped fiber bundles consisting of a decreased number of reinforcing fibers to increase the entanglement of the chopped fiber bundles for increased densification which serves to prevent the generation and propagation of cracks in the molded material.
  • Patent Literature 3 discloses a glass chopped strand with good opening property and suitable for glass paper.
  • the glass chopped strand 1 is characterized in that, when the angle of the cross section of the chopped strand 1 bunching multiple glass filaments 2 to the longitudinal direction a of the filaments is designated as ⁇ , the diameter of the filaments 2 as D, and the displacement between the end faces of the filaments 2 neighboring each other in the angle direction of the cross section as ⁇ L, ⁇ is 10°-80° and the average value of ⁇ L/D which is the ratio of the displacement ⁇ L to the diameter D of the filaments 2 is 0.2 or more.
  • Patent Literature 4 teaches a method of producing a laminate comprising the following steps: (a) forming patches from a substantially unidirectional fabric, treated with a resin; (b) substantially randomising the orientation of said patches; (c) distributing a plurality of said patches in layers around a former; (d) causing said layers of patches to amalgamate by means of activation of the resin treatment.
  • Patent Literature 5 discloses an apparatus for cutting a glass strand which is capable of uniformly supplying glass cut chips over the whole width from both end parts to the center part of a cutting roll without causing a problem that the glass fiber is caught in a gap between cutting edges and is not discharged when the glass cut chips having ⁇ 1/2 inch length are supplied.
  • a back roll 5 having a recessed part 7 at a place of the cylinder surface which is opposed to the cutting edge line is arranged to be synchronously rotated with the cutting roll 1.
  • One of the objects of the invention is, in view of these problems of the conventional arts, to provide a chopped fiber bundle having good flowability and mold conformability in the case where it is used as a molding material, and exhibits excellent mechanical property in the case where it is used as a fiber reinforced plastic.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a molding material and a fiber reinforced plastic in which the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is used, and a production method thereof.
  • a chopped fiber bundle of the invention comprising:
  • the state where the reinforcing fibers are arranged in substantially one direction refers to a state in which, when looking at a portion of the chopped fiber bundle, 90% or more of the reinforcing fibers existing within a 5 mm radius are arranged within an angle of ⁇ 10° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber existing in the portion of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • the maximum value of the total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is 0.1 mm 2 or more.
  • the maximum value of the total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is less than 0.1 mm 2 and, between said first tip and said second tip, the change in the number of said reinforcing fibers in the cross-section of the fiber bundle, measured along the arranging direction of said reinforcing fibers, is 30% or less of said maximum number of reinforcing fibers per 1 mm.
  • each fiber length of the reinforcing fibers is the same. It is no problem if this each fiber length is substantially the same.
  • the state where the fiber lengths are substantially the same refers to a state in which the reinforcing fibers having a fiber length in the range of ⁇ 5% from the average value of fiber lengths of the reinforcing fibers contained in the chopped fiber bundle account for 95% of the total reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • said reinforcing fiber is a carbon fiber, that the number of the carbon fibers is 1,000 to 700,000, and that between said first tip and said second tip, the change in the number of said reinforcing fibers in the cross-section of the fiber bundle, measured along the arranging direction of said reinforcing fibers, is 1,400 or less per 1 mm.
  • the value of ratio Wb/Tb is 20 to 400.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention it is preferable that, in a plan view of the state is drawn where width of perpendicular direction to the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber of the chopped fiber bundle becomes largest, one sides from the tip to the terminal end in external shape of both transition sections of the first transition section and the second transition section are formed by straight segments along the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber, and the other sides are formed by straight segments inclined by an angle of 2 to 30° with respect to the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • the bundling agent may be a sizing agent used when the reinforcing fiber bundle is produced, and an amount of the sizing agent to the chopped fiber bundle may also be 0.1 to 10 mass%.
  • the bundling agent may be a matrix resin used when a resin molded material containing reinforcing fibers is produced, and an amount of the matrix resin to the chopped fiber bundle may also be 20 to 75 mass%.
  • the change is an absolute value of increasing or decreasing.
  • a molding material of the invention comprises an aggregate of chopped fiber bundles of the invention in which said large number of chopped fiber bundles are integrated into one body by a bundling agent for chopped fiber bundles and/or by entanglement of said reinforcing fibers in adjacent chopped fiber bundles.
  • the bundling agent is a matrix resin used when a resin molded material containing reinforcing fibers is produced, an amount the matrix resin to the chopped fiber bundle is 20 to 75 mass%, and in addition, the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles is in a form of a sheet.
  • arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers in each chopped fiber bundle in the sheet aggregate of chopped fiber bundles may also be the same, respectively.
  • the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers in each chopped fiber bundle in the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles may substantially be the same, respectively.
  • the state where the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers in each chopped fiber bundle are substantially the same refers a state in which, when the average of the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers contained in the chopped fiber bundle is taken as the representative arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers in the chopped fiber bundle, those chopped fiber bundles in the chopped fiber bundle aggregate with their representative arranging directions staying within ⁇ 10% account for 90% or more of the chopped fiber bundles in the aggregate of chopped fiber bundles.
  • the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles comprises a laminate including a lamination of a plurality of the sheets of aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles, and in the laminate, arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers in one of the layers of the sheet of aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles and another layer are different each other.
  • arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers in each chopped fiber bundle in the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles may also be random.
  • the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles in a cross-sectional shape, may also be three-dimensionally shaped to have at least one bending portion.
  • Another embodiment of the molding material of the invention comprises a pellet for injection molding formed with a mixture of a large number of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention and a thermoplastic resin.
  • a fiber reinforced plastic of the invention comprises an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention and a matrix resin integrated with the aggregate of chopped fiber bundles.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic of the invention it is preferable that, in the cross-section of thickness direction of the fiber reinforced plastic, at least 20 of the chopped fiber bundles are accumulated in the thickness direction.
  • a chopped fiber bundle production method not falling under the scope of the invention, comprises:
  • the state where the continuous reinforcing fibers are arranged in substantially one direction refers to a state in which, when looking at a portion of the chopped fiber bundle, 90% or more of the reinforcing fibers existing within a 5 mm radius are arranged within an angle of ⁇ 10° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fibers existing in the portion of the continuous chopped fiber bundle.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle supplying step includes a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle opening step in which the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is opened such that the arrangement of the large number of reinforcing fibers in cross-section of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is made into flat.
  • the bundling agent may be a sizing agent used when the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is produced and an amount of the sizing agent to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle may also be 0.1 to 10 mass%.
  • the bundling agent may be a matrix resin used when a resin molded material containing reinforcing fibers is produced and the amount of the matrix resin to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle may be 20 to 75 mass%.
  • the state where the continuous reinforcing fibers are arranged in substantially one direction refers to a state in which, when looking at a portion of the continuous chopped fiber bundle comprising a large number of continuous reinforcing fibers, 90% or more of the reinforcing fibers existing within a 5 mm radius are arranged within an angle of ⁇ 10° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fibers existing in the portion of the continuous chopped fiber bundle.
  • the prepreg sheet forming step of the production method of chopped fiber bundle on the resin sheet on which the continuous reinforcing fiber sheet is placed, another resin sheet formed from a matrix resin to be used when a resin molded article containing reinforcing fibers is produced is placed, the reinforcing fibers and the matrix resin are integrated, and in addition, a prepreg sheet is formed in a condition in which an amount of the matrix resin is controlled such that the amount of the matrix resin in the chopped fiber bundle to be obtained is made into 20 to 75 mass%.
  • a production method of a molding material of the invention comprising:
  • the molding base has a flat surface, and the chopped fiber bundles are scattered on the flat surface such that arranging directions of reinforcing fibers of each of the large number of chopped fiber bundles on the flat surface is made into the same, and in addition, on the flat surface, a chopped fiber bundle sheet comprising the large number of chopped fiber bundles is formed, and in the aggregate of chopped fiber bundles forming step, a molding material comprising the chopped fiber bundle sheet formed with the large number of chopped fiber bundles is formed.
  • the state where the arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers in each chopped fiber bundle is substantially the same refers to a state in which, when the average of the directions of the reinforcing fibers contained in a chopped fiber bundle is taken as the representative arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers in the chopped fiber bundle, those chopped fiber bundles in the chopped fiber bundle aggregate with their representative arranging directions staying within ⁇ 10% account for 90% or more of the total chopped fiber bundles in the chopped fiber bundle aggregate.
  • the chopped fiber bundles are scattered on the formed chopped fiber bundle sheet such that arranging directions of reinforcing fiber of the respective large number of chopped fiber bundles are made into the same, and in addition, are made different from arranging direction of reinforcing fiber of chopped fiber bundle in the formed chopped fiber bundle sheet, and further, such that another chopped fiber bundle sheet comprising the large number of chopped fiber bundles is formed on the formed chopped fiber bundle sheet, to form a molding material comprising a laminate of chopped fiber bundle sheets.
  • the state where the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber bundle are substantially the same refers to a state in which, when the average of the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers contained in the chopped fiber bundle is taken as the representative arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers in the chopped fiber bundle, those chopped fiber bundles in the chopped fiber bundle aggregate with their representative arranging directions staying within ⁇ 10% account for 90% or more of the total chopped fiber bundles in the aggregate of chopped fiber bundles.
  • the chopped fiber bundles may also be scattered on the molding base such that the arranging direction of the respective reinforcing fibers of the large number of chopped fiber bundles on the molding base is made random.
  • the molding base is a resin sheet formed with a matrix resin to be used when a resin molded article containing reinforcing fibers is produced.
  • the chopped fiber bundle scattering step may comprise:
  • the state where the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber bundle are substantially the same refers to a state in which, when the average value of the arranging directions of the reinforcing fiber contained in the chopped fiber bundle is taken as the representative arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers in the chopped fiber bundle, those chopped fiber bundles in the chopped fiber bundle aggregate with their representative arranging directions staying within ⁇ 10% account for 90% or more of the total chopped fiber bundles in the aggregate of chopped fiber bundles.
  • a production method of molding material which comprises a kneading step in which a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention and a thermoplastic resin are kneaded, to prepare a kneaded substance of the chopped fiber bundles and the thermoplastic resin and, a molding step in which the kneaded substance prepared by the kneading step is continuously extruded in forms of rod or sheet, to form a continuous molded product having a rod or sheet shape and, a pelletizing step in which the continuous molded product obtained in the molding step is cut at an interval in longitudinal direction, to form pellets for injection molding.
  • a production method of a fiber reinforced plastic not falling under the scope of the invention comprises one sheet or plural sheets of molding material of the invention which has an area smaller than projected area of a cavity of a mold are placed in the cavity in a state thicker than the cavity, the mold is clamped, and by pressurizing or by pressurizing and heating the molding material, the molding material is extended to fill the cavity with the molding material, and after finishing molding of fiber reinforced plastic in the cavity, the molded fiber reinforced plastic is taken out from the cavity.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber is referred to, unless otherwise stated, a reinforcing fiber having a fiber length exceeding 100 mm.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle comprises a large number of this continuous reinforcing fibers arranged in a state of bundle.
  • a chopped fiber bundle which has, in the case where it is used as a molding material, good flowability and conformability, and exhibits, in the case where it is made into a fiber reinforced plastic, excellent mechanical property. And, a molding material and a fiber reinforced plastic in which the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is used and a production method of the molding material are provided.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of one example of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of the invention comprises a large number of unidirectionally arranged reinforcing fibers 11 and a bundling agent (not shown in Fig.) which bundles the large number of reinforcing fibers 11.
  • the fiber length Lf of the each reinforcing fiber 11 is 5 to 100 mm.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 has a first transition section 13a in which the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 in the fiber bundle cross-section perpendicular to the arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers 11 increases from the first tip 12a which is one of the tips in the arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers 11 toward the second tip 12b which is the other tip and also has a second transition section 13b in which the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 in the fiber bundle cross-section increases from the second tip 12b toward the first tip 12a.
  • the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 is drawn, in Fig. 1 , as the up and down direction or vertical direction.
  • the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 is also the longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1.
  • the perpendicular direction to the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 is drawn, in Fig. 1 , as the left and right direction or horizontal direction.
  • the perpendicular direction to the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 is also the width direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1.
  • first transition section 13a and the second transition section 13b there is a constant section 14, in which the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 in the fiber bundle cross-section is constant, along the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the one end face 14Ea of the constant section 14 agrees with the first terminal end face 13Ea which is the terminal end opposite to the first tip 12a of the first transition section 13a.
  • the other end face 14Eb of the constant section 14 agrees with the second terminal end face 13Eb which is the terminal end opposite to the second tip 12b of the second transition section 13b.
  • change of a total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers in the fiber bundle cross-section is made into 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm along the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of a state in which a width of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 in perpendicular direction to the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 becomes the largest.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 has, in entire area of the constant section 14, the largest width Wb. In the position (section) having the largest width Wb, the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 becomes the largest.
  • Fig. 1 in outer shape of both transition sections of the first transition section 13a and the second transition section 13b, the respective sides 15a and 15b of one side from the tip toward the terminal end are formed with straight segment along the arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11, and the respective sides 16a and 16b of other side are formed with straight segment along which the cut tip portions of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 which are cut when the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 was produced are lined.
  • the distance in width direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 between the side 15a and the side 15b of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 is shown with an across width Wd of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 and the distance in length direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 between the first tip 12a and the second tip 12b is shown with an across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1.
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of another example of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of the invention has the same configuration as the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 . Accordingly, in each portion of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of Fig. 2 , the same reference number as the reference number of the corresponding portion of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 is given.
  • the width Wb of chopped fiber bundle in the constant section 14 of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of Fig. 2 that is, an across width Wd of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 is narrow compared to the across width Wd of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 .
  • the length of the side 16a along which cut tip portions of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 are lined in the first transition section 13a of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of Fig. 2 is shorter than the length of the side 16a of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig.
  • the length of the side 16b along which the cut tip portions of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 are lined in the second transition section 13b of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of Fig. 2 is shorter than the length of the side 16b of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 .
  • the fiber length Lf of each reinforcing fiber 11 in the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 is 5 to 100 mm.
  • the change of total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers in the fiber bundle cross-section is 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of still another example of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 of the invention has the same configuration as the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 except it has not the constant section 14 of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 . Accordingly, to the each portion of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 of Fig. 3 , the same reference number as the reference number of the corresponding portion of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of Fig. 1 is given.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 of Fig. 3 comprises a first transition section 13a in which the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 increases from the first tip 12a toward the second tip 12b and a second transition section 13b in which the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 increases from the second tip 12b toward the first tip 12a.
  • the first terminal end face 13Ea which is the terminal end opposite to the first tip 12a of the first transition section 13a directly agrees with the second terminal end face 13Eb which is the terminal end opposite to the second tip 12b of the second transition section 13b.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 has, at the position where these both end faces 13Ea and 13Eb agree, the largest width Wb. At the position (section) where it has the largest width Wb, the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 becomes largest. And, since these both end faces 13Ea and 13Eb agree, the value of an across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 is second times of the length Lf of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the fiber length Lf of each reinforcing fiber 11 in the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 is 5 to 100 mm.
  • the change of a total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers in the fiber bundle cross-section is made into 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view in perpendicular direction to longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 at the position where the width of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of the invention of Fig. 1 has the largest width Wb.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 in which the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 are bundled by a bundling agent, has the largest width Wb in its width direction (in Fig. 4 , left and right direction or horizontal direction), and has the largest thickness Tb in its thickness direction (in Fig. 4 , up and down direction or vertical direction). Since the respective cross-sectional shapes at the respective positions of the largest width Wb of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of the invention of Fig.
  • a cross-sectional shape of the chopped fiber bundle in perpendicular direction to longitudinal direction can be various shapes such as circle, ellipse or square, but in view of stability of the cross-sectional shape of the chopped fiber bundle, good handling property of the chopped fiber bundle and easiness of production of the chopped fiber bundle, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the chopped fiber bundle is circle, ellipse or square, and it is especially preferable to be rectangle as shown in Fig. 4 or flat ellipse.
  • Fig. 5 is an enumeration of the respective plan views ((a) to (g)) of other 7 examples of chopped fiber bundle of the invention.
  • the respective chopped fiber bundles of Fig. 5 is arranged up and down direction in the figure and comprises the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 bundled by a bundling agent.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5a of Fig. 5(a) has 4 tips in upper side and 4 tips in lower side and has V-shaped incisions between the adjacent tips.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5a is constituted with 16 sides and all of the each side is constituted with straight segments.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5b of Fig. 5(b) has one tip in upper side and 2 tips in lower side and has a V-shaped incision between the 2 tips in lower side.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5b is constituted with 6 sides and all of each side are constituted with straight segments.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5c of Fig. 5(c) has one tip in upper side and one tip in lower side.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5c is constituted with 4 sides and 2 sides of them are constituted with curved segments and other 2 side are constituted with straight segments.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5d of Fig. 5(d) has 2 tips in upper side and one tip in lower side.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5d is constituted with 4 sides and, among them, the side connecting the upper 2 sides is constituted with U-shaped curved segment, and the side including the lower tip is constituted with U-shaped curved segment, and other 2 sides are constituted with straight segments.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5e of Fig. 5(e) has one tip in upper side and one tip in lower side.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5e is constituted with 2 sides and those sides are constituted with curved segments convex to outside connecting the upper tip and the lower tip, respectively.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5f of Fig. 5(f) has one tip in upper side and one tip in lower side.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5f is constituted with 6 sides, and all of each side are constituted with straight segments.
  • a chopped fiber bundle CFB5g of Fig. 5(g) has one tip in upper side and one tip in lower side.
  • Outer shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5g is constituted with 4 sides and all of each side are constituted with straight segments.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is used for production of molding material for molding a fiber reinforced molded article (fiber reinforced plastic).
  • This molding material comprises an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention.
  • a good conformability to the complicated shape is required. Since all the fiber lengths Lf of the reinforcing fiber 11 contained in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention are made into 100 mm or less, the molding material comprising a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention has a good conformability.
  • the fiber length Lf exceeds 100 mm, as the fiber length becomes longer, in molding step of a molded article, the reinforcing fiber 11 becomes difficult to flow in its arranging direction, and it becomes difficult to produce a molded article having a complicated shape.
  • the fiber length Lf is less than 5 mm, flowability of the reinforcing fiber 11 in a molding step of a molded article is improved, but mechanical characteristics of the obtained molded article lower. From the relation between flowability of reinforcing fiber in a molding step of a molded article and mechanical characteristics of a molded article, it is preferable that the length Lf of each reinforcing fiber 11 in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is 10 to 50 mm.
  • the number of reinforcing fibers of less than 5 mm in fiber length contained in the chopped fiber bundle is as few as possible, and it is better to be less than 5% of the total number of reinforcing fibers constituting the chopped fiber bundle. That is, in the invention, those states where the fiber length Lf of the reinforcing fibers 11 constituting the chopped fiber bundle is 5 to 100 mm includes a state in which the number of reinforcing fibers having a fiber length of less than 5 mm is 5% or less of the total number of reinforcing fibers constituting the chopped fiber bundle, and in addition, all reinforcing fibers have a fiber length of 100 mm or less.
  • fiber reinforced plastic (hereafter, may be referred to as "short fiber reinforced plastic") is produced.
  • a force is loaded to the fiber reinforced plastic
  • most of the force is born by reinforcing fibers present inside the fiber reinforced plastic.
  • a chopped fiber bundle a large number of reinforcing fibers forming the bundle are in a state in which they are cut in a certain length. Accordingly, it is necessary that a force born by reinforcing fibers of some chopped fiber bundle is, via a matrix resin, shared from the tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle to reinforcing fibers of other chopped fiber bundle, at tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle locating in vicinity.
  • a conventional chopped fiber bundle CFBC comprises a large number of reinforcing fibers 61 bundled by a bundling agent.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFBC is produced by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle comprising a large number of continuous reinforcing fibers, at a fixed interval in longitudinal direction, in perpendicular direction to longitudinal direction of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • each reinforcing fiber of the large number of reinforcing fibers is arranged by dispersing in monofilament unit, since flexural rigidity of each reinforcing fiber is low, it is very difficult to disperse while keeping straightness of reinforcing fiber and the reinforcing fibers aggregate with each other to lower strength as a result, it is difficult to industrially produce a molding material in which reinforcing fibers are dispersed as monofilament.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is aimed to solve the above-mentioned problem.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention shares a force, born by the chopped fiber bundle, which is the largest at center of the chopped fiber bundle, via reinforcing fibers of which number is decreasing toward the tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle, little by little, to a chopped fiber bundle locating in its vicinity. Accordingly, in a fiber reinforced plastic comprising the chopped fiber bundle of the invention, the above-mentioned stress concentration is hard to be generated.
  • the increase of number of the reinforcing fibers 11 at the transition sections 13a and 13b of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention there is increase of number of the reinforcing fibers 11 at least 2 positions in the transition sections 13a and 13b, and in the case where the maximum value of total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fiber in cross-section of the chopped fiber bundle at the position where the number increases is 0.008 mm 2 or less, the increase of number of the reinforcing fibers 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b can be said to be a continuous increase.
  • total cross-sectional area of reinforcing fibers in cross-section of chopped fiber bundle of the above-mentioned position where the number increases is 0.002 mm 2 or less.
  • the change of total cross-sectional area of reinforcing fibers is made into 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm.
  • this change is 0.04 mm 2 or less per 1 mm, and to be 0.025 mm 2 or less is more preferable.
  • the total cross-sectional area of reinforcing fibers at an arbitrary position in the chopped fiber bundle is, in the arbitrary position, the total sum obtainable by addition of cross-sectional area of each reinforcing fiber of all reinforcing fibers present in the plane perpendicular to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber (cross-section).
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view (a) and a side view (b) of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of the invention of Fig. 2 , and a graph (c) showing change of a number of the reinforcing fibers 11 in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2.
  • the horizontal axis X denotes a position in the across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2
  • the vertical axis Y denotes a number of the reinforcing fibers 11 or a total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers 11.
  • the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 continuously increases, from the first tip 12a toward the first terminal end face 13Ea of first transition section, along longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2, and reaches a constant value at the first terminal end face 13Ea.
  • This constant value is maintained in the constant section 14 from the first terminal end face 13Ea toward the second terminal end face 13Eb of the second transition section.
  • the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 continuously decreases, from the second terminal end face 13Eb toward the second tip 12b, along longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2.
  • the number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the constant section 14 is the maximum value of the number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the chopped fiber bundle CFB2.
  • Fig. 8 is a plan view (a) and a side view (b) of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 of the invention of Fig. 3 and a graph (c) showing change of a number of reinforcing fibers 11 in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3.
  • the horizontal axis X denotes a position in the across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3
  • the vertical axis Y denotes a number of the reinforcing fibers 11 or a total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 continuously increases, from the first tip 12a toward the first terminal end face 13Ea of the first transition section, along longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 does not have a constant section in which the number of reinforcing fibers is maintained in a constant value in longitudinal direction of the fiber bundle, and since the first terminal end face 13Ea agrees with the second terminal end face 13Eb of the second transition section 13b, the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 in the first terminal end face 13Ea (the second terminal end face 13Eb) shows the maximum value.
  • the number of the reinforcing fibers 11 continuously decreases, from the second terminal end face 13Eb toward the second tip 12b, along longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3.
  • Forms of change of the number of reinforcing fibers in the longitudinal direction of chopped fiber bundle of the invention are two, the first form in which after increasing, the number reaches a constant value and then decreases and the second form in which after increasing, the number decreases without having a constant values.
  • the change CFTS of the total cross-sectional area FTS of the reinforcing fiber 11 in cross-section of the chopped fiber bundle between the first tip 12a and the second tip 12b is 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the total cross-sectional area FTS of the reinforcing fiber 11 in cross-section of the chopped fiber bundle is the total sum of the cross-sectional areas of the each reinforcing fiber 11 present in the cross-section.
  • each reinforcing fiber 11 present in cross-section of the chopped fiber bundle has a dispersion of ⁇ 10% or less with respect to cross-sectional area of a representative reinforcing fiber selected therefrom, as the total cross-sectional area FTS of the reinforcing fiber 11, the value obtainable by multiplying number of the reinforcing fibers 11 present in the cross-section by cross-sectional area of the above-mentioned representative reinforcing fiber is used.
  • the value obtainable by dividing the maximum value of the total cross-sectional area FTS of the reinforcing fiber 11 in the chopped fiber bundle by the length of the transition section 13a or 13b (mm) in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber is used.
  • Figs. 1 to 5 Various examples of chopped fiber bundles of the invention are shown in Figs. 1 to 5 . All of these chopped fiber bundles have a transition section in which a number of reinforcing fibers increases, and in addition, across whole area of longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle, the change of a total cross-sectional area of reinforcing fibers is 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber. It is preferable that, in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention, the maximum value of the total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is 0.1 mm 2 or more.
  • the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers increases from the tip toward the terminal end of transition section in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention can be expressed, on the contrary, as a state in which the number of reinforcing fibers decreases from the center portion toward the tip of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • a state of decrease of the number of reinforcing fibers generation of stress concentration in the above-mentioned fiber reinforced plastic is prevented.
  • a configuration in which the number of reinforcing fibers gradually, that is, continuously decreases is preferable.
  • the effect of preventing a generation of stress concentration becomes bigger.
  • the larger the total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers the larger the force born by one chopped fiber bundle in fiber reinforced plastic becomes, but even the force is large, the state in which the force is shared immediately to adjacent tip portion of chopped fiber bundle, via matrix resin, is prevented by the state of decrease of the number of reinforcing fibers in the transition section. That is, a transmission of force between adjacent chopped fiber bundles is gradually effected by the state of decrease of the number of reinforcing fibers in the transition section, to prevent a stress concentration in tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention even it is a thick chopped fiber bundle, a short fiber reinforced plastic molded with that has, compared to conventional short fiber reinforced plastic molded with conventional thick chopped fiber bundle, a higher strength. Accordingly, not only it becomes possible to reduce production cost of the chopped fiber bundle, but also it becomes possible to produce short fiber reinforced plastics having a high strength. In view point of the thick chopped fiber bundle, it is preferable that the maximum value of total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is 0.2 mm 2 or more.
  • the maximum value of total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is 30 mm 2 or less, and to be 5 mm 2 or less is more preferable.
  • the maximum value of total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is less than 0.1 mm 2 , it is preferable that, across whole area of the chopped fiber bundle, change of number of the reinforcing fibers per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber is 30% or less of the maximum number of the reinforcing fibers (maximum value of numbers).
  • the maximum value of total cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fibers is less than 0.1 mm 2 , that is, even it is a thin chopped fiber bundle, rather than the force is released immediately like a conventional chopped fiber bundle, a configuration in which number of reinforcing fibers gradually decreases from the center portion of the chopped fiber bundle toward the tip, is preferable since a transmission of force in fiber reinforced plastic is gradually done.
  • the fiber length Lf of the each reinforcing fiber 11 is the same.
  • production efficiency of the chopped fiber bundle is high since it is possible to produce a chopped fiber bundle by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in longitudinal direction in a same interval, and, when a large number of chopped fiber bundles are integrated to prepare a molding material, and a molded article is molded by using this molding material, it is easier to control flowability of the reinforcing fiber when each fiber length of the reinforcing fibers is the same.
  • Examples of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention in which each fiber length of reinforcing fibers is the same are shown in Figs. 1 , 2 , 3 , 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d) .
  • the state where the fiber lengths of the reinforcing fibers are the same refers to a state in which the reinforcing fibers having a fiber length within ⁇ 5% from the average value of the fiber lengths of the reinforcing fibers contained in the chopped fiber bundle account for 95% of all reinforcing fibers contained in the chopped fiber bundle.
  • the reinforcing fiber used for the chopped fiber bundle of the invention for example, organic fibers such as aramid fiber, polyethylene fiber or poly-p-phenylene benzoxazole (PBO) fiber, inorganic fibers such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, silicon carbide fiber, alumina fiber, Tyranno fiber, basalt fiber or ceramics fiber, metal fibers such as stainless steel fiber or steel fiber, and other than that, boron fiber, natural fiber and modified natural fiber are mentioned. And, it may be a combination of two or more different kind reinforcing fibers.
  • carbon fiber is light in weight, has excellent specific strength and specific modulus, and further, has excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, it is preferably used as a reinforcing fiber.
  • Molded article (fiber reinforced plastic) produced from the chopped fiber bundle of the invention comprising carbon fibers is preferably used for members of such as automobile panel in which decreasing weight is desired.
  • the reinforcing fiber is carbon fiber, that the number of carbon fibers is 1,000 to 700,000 fibers and that, across whole area of the chopped fiber bundle, change of number of carbon fibers in each 1 mm movement in arranging direction of the carbon fiber is 1,400 fibers or less.
  • polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber by which a high strength can easily be obtained is preferable.
  • monofilament diameter of easily available carbon fiber is about 5 to 10 ⁇ m
  • the number of carbon fibers in the chopped fiber bundle is 1,000 to 700,000 fibers. It is preferable that the number of carbon fibers is 3,000 to 100,000 fibers. Since a continuous carbon fiber bundle having a high strength and has a number of fibers of 6,000 to 50,000 fibers is cheap, and in addition, easily available, it is preferably used when the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is produced.
  • the change of number of the reinforcing fibers in each 1 mm movement in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber is 1,400 fibers or less across whole area of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention, it is possible to effectively prevent stress concentration in a fiber reinforced plastic. It is preferable that the change of number of reinforcing fibers is 1,000 fibers or less. In order to improve strength of fiber reinforced plastic, it is preferable that the change of number of reinforcing fibers is 600 fibers or less.
  • the largest width Wb of chopped fiber bundle is less than 3 mm
  • a value proportionally converted to the change per 1 mm by dividing maximum value of number of the reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle by length of the transition section in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber is used.
  • the ratio Wb/Tb of the largest width Wb to the largest thickness Tb is 20 to 400.
  • the ratio Wb/Tb denotes an aspect ratio of the chopped fiber bundle. The greater the aspect ratio is, the more flat the chopped fiber bundle is. A flat chopped fiber bundle brings about increase of strength of the fiber reinforced plastic. It is preferable that the value of the largest thickness Tb is 150 ⁇ m or less, and to be 100 ⁇ m or less is more preferable.
  • the flat chopped fiber bundle can be produced, for example, by cutting unidirectionally drawn out continuous reinforcing fiber bundle after opening.
  • This opening of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle can be done, for example, by passing the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle while contacting with a roller, or by vibrating the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, or by air-blowing the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • Especially preferable configuration of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is a configuration in which tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle has a side oblique with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber.
  • a configuration in which the oblique side is formed in straight line having an angle of 2 to 30° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber is more preferable.
  • a chopped fiber bundle of the invention having such a configuration can be produced, for example, by unidirectionally drawing out continuous reinforcing fiber bundle and by cutting the drawn out continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in a straight line of an angle of 2 to 30° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber (drawing out direction of continuous reinforcing fiber bundle) such that fiber length of reinforcing fiber is made into 5 to 100 mm.
  • a more flat chopped fiber bundle can be produced by cutting the unidirectionally drawn out continuous reinforcing fiber bundle after opening.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention which is capable of producing a fiber reinforced plastic having a high strength can be obtained by only cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in an angle of 2 to 30° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber (drawing out direction of continuous reinforcing fiber bundle).
  • the chopped fiber bundles of the invention shown in Figs 1 , 2 and 3 are produced by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle at a same cutting interval in its longitudinal direction.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 of the invention of Fig. 1 is obtained by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle of relatively large width, and has a configuration in which lengths of the sides 16a and 16b, along which the cut ends of the reinforcing fiber 11 are lined, are long. Since the length of the sides 16a and 16b are long, at producing a molding material, or, at molding a molded article using the molding material, reinforcing fibers are apt to be opened. For that reason, thickness of each chopped fiber bundle in molding material or molded article becomes thin and strength of molded article (fiber reinforced plastic) to be obtained is easy to be improved.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 of the invention of Fig. 2 is obtained by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle of relatively narrow width, and has a configuration in which lengths of the sides 16a, 16b, along which cut ends of the reinforcing fiber 11 are lined, are short. Since the lengths of sides 16a, 156b are short, the reinforcing fibers are hard to be broken to pieces, and it is excellent in handling property of chopped fiber bundle.
  • the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 of the invention of Fig. 3 does not have, due to the relation between cutting angle when the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is cut and the width of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, a constant section which is present in the chopped fiber bundle of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 , and it comprises only two transition sections 13a and 13b.
  • this chopped fiber bundle CFB3 the across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 becomes 2 times of the fiber length Lf of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • cutting means of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle for producing the chopped fiber bundle for example, there are rotary cutters such as a guillotine cutter or a roving cutter.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is inserted into the cutting means, in a condition in which longitudinal direction of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle and direction of cutting blade provided to the cutting means cross relatively obliquely, and it is cut.
  • a jagged blade for production of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5b of Fig. 5(b) , V-shaped blade, for production of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5c of Fig. 5(c) , stream lined blade and for production of the chopped fiber bundle CFB5d of Fig. 5(d) , U-shaped blade is used.
  • 5(e) is made by cutting continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in oblique direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of continuous reinforcing fiber bundle while imparting a bundling agent such as water to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, and by converging both side portion of longitudinal direction of the cut piece obtained by the cutting in a canoe-lie form toward both tip portions.
  • a bundling agent such as water
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention can also be produced by adding a shear force in thickness direction of chopped fiber bundle obtained by conventional production method of chopped fiber bundle in which cut ends of reinforcing fibers are lined in perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction of chopped fiber bundle, to form transition sections in which the number of reinforcing fibers changes.
  • chopped fiber bundle of the invention can also be produced by spinning a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle by means of a draft-cut spinning.
  • the chopped fiber bundle obtained by the draft-cut has a configuration in which, at both tip portions, reinforcing fibers of different length are arranged in longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle, and by this portion, transition sections are formed.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention contains a bundling agent for maintaining a state of bundle of the large number of reinforcing fibers which forms the bundle.
  • the bundling agent can maintain the large number of reinforcing fibers in a bundle state, and in addition, it is no problem if the material has no problem in compatibility with a resin used when a molded article (fiber reinforced plastic) comprising the chopped fiber bundle is produced.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is produced by cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • a sizing agent is imparted to this continuous reinforcing fiber bundle. Accordingly, this sizing agent can be used as it is as the bundling agent of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention, and in such a case, there is an advantage that it becomes unnecessary to prepare other bundling agent, separately.
  • the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is used for producing a molding material comprising its aggregate. Furthermore, molding material produced is used for producing a molded article (fiber reinforced plastic).
  • a matrix resin is used together with the chopped fiber bundle. Accordingly, this matrix resin can be used as it is as the bundling agent of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention, and in this case, there is an advantage that it becomes unnecessary to prepare other bundling agent, separately.
  • the matrix resin is used as the bundling agent
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle or the chopped fiber bundle to be combined with the matrix resin may contain a sizing agent or other bundling agent beforehand. However, in such a case, it is necessary to consider compatibility between the sizing agent or other bundling agent imparted beforehand and the matrix resin to be imparted later.
  • the amount of sizing agent to reinforcing fiber is 0.1 to 10 mass% based on total mass of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • a sizing agent of the same amount as this amount has been imparted to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle for producing a chopped fiber bundle, when the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is cut, shape of chopped fiber bundle to be obtained by the cutting becomes a predetermined one, without the reinforcing fibers become separated into pieces.
  • a chopped fiber bundle of the invention by imparting 0.1 to 10 mass% of a sizing agent dissolved or dispersed in a solvent to a drawn out continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, and after cutting the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, by heating to dry the solvent, or after heating to dry the solvent, by cutting the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • the sizing agent for example, epoxy resin, phenol resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, polyamide resin, urethane resin, or, mixed resins in which they are mixed are mentioned. These resins are imparted to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle by diluting with water, solvent or the like.
  • the matrix resin is, for example, imparted to unidirectionally drawn out continuous reinforcing fiber bundle. After that, continuous reinforcing fiber bundle imparted with the matrix resin is cut and a chopped fiber bundle in which the matrix resin is deposited to a large number of reinforcing fibers is obtained.
  • the matrix resin may also be impregnated completely to a large number of reinforcing fibers constituting the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • the matrix resin may be imparted to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in a state in which the matrix resin is unevenly distributed on surface of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • the amount of the matrix resin to reinforcing fibers is 20 to 75 mass% based on the mass of the whole chopped fiber bundle.
  • the matrix resin is imparted to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle beforehand, when a chopped fiber bundle is produced by cutting the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, it is possible to stably produce a chopped fiber bundle of predetermined shape without becoming the large number of reinforcing fibers separated into pieces. And, handling property of the chopped fiber bundle is also improved at producing a molding material by integrating the obtained large number of chopped fiber bundles.
  • Preferable production method of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention comprises to prepare a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle sheet in which plural continuous reinforcing fiber bundle are adjacently paralleled, to impart a matrix resin of an amount of 20 to 75 mass% to the prepared continuous reinforcing fiber bundle sheet and to cut the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle sheet imparted with the matrix resin in straight line in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber and in direction of an angle of 2 to 30° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber.
  • the above-mentioned continuous reinforcing fiber bundle sheet in which plural continuous reinforcing fiber bundles are adjacently paralleled is, usually, prepared on a base material having releasability to the resin (e.g., release paper) or a base plate.
  • thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, phenol resin, epoxy acrylate resin, urethane acrylate resin, phenoxy resin, alkyd resin, urethane resin, maleimide resin or cyanate resin, or thermoplastic resins such as polyamide, polyacetal, polyacrylate, polysulfone, ABS, polyester, acryl, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer, polyvinyl chloride, fluorine-based resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene, or silicone are mentioned.
  • thermoplastic resins such as polyamide, polyacetal, polyacrylate, polysulfone, ABS, polyester, acryl, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, polypheny
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle has tackiness at room temperature. Accordingly, when a molding material is produced by integrating a large number of chopped fiber bundles, by utilizing this tackiness, it is possible to carry out the integration of the large number of chopped fiber bundles, and it is possible to produce a molding material at room temperature.
  • thermosetting resins epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, phenol resin, acryl resin, or a mixed resin thereof are preferably used.
  • a resin viscosity at room temperature (25°C) of these resins to be 1 ⁇ 10 6 Pa ⁇ s or less is preferable, and at this viscosity, it is possible to obtain a chopped fiber bundle of the invention having a preferable tackiness and drapability.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic of the invention in which the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is used is produced by using molding material of the invention comprising an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a plan view of one example of molding material of the invention.
  • a molding material 91 of the invention comprises an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundle CFB of the invention (e.g., the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 shown in Fig. 3 ).
  • the molding material of the invention comprises an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention, this may be combined with other base material, for example, a base material comprising a large number of continuous fibers.
  • the molding material of the invention has, since it is used for producing a fiber reinforced plastic, good handling property or, property suitable for compression moldings such as press molding or drape molding.
  • the molding material of the invention is produced by forming an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles, for example, after scattering a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention on a molding base in a sheet form, by integrating the large number of chopped fiber bundles by entangling adjacent reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundles with each other by means such as needle punch or vibration.
  • a matrix resin sheet is used as the molding base, after scattering a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention on the matrix resin sheet, another matrix resin sheet is superposed thereon, to thereby insert the large number of chopped fiber bundles into the upper and lower matrix resin sheets, it is possible to produce a molding material in which the large number of chopped fiber bundles and the matrix resin are integrated.
  • a molding material is, usually, referred to as an SMC sheet or stampable sheet.
  • the molding material of the invention may be produced by scattering a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention impregnated with a matrix resin beforehand on a molding base in a form of sheet, and, by utilizing tackiness of the matrix resin, integrating the large number of chopped fiber bundles. And, the molding material of the invention may be constituted with an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles to which no matrix resin is impregnated.
  • a molded article is preferably used in the case where a fiber reinforced plastic is produced by RTM (resin transfer molding) in which a matrix resin is injected when the fiber reinforced plastic is produced.
  • a sizing agent is used as bundling agent in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention
  • a sufficient tackiness between the chopped fiber bundles with each other at producing a molding material cannot be obtained in some cases.
  • a matrix resin is used as bundling agent in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention
  • handling property of the chopped fiber bundle at producing a molding material becomes worse in some cases.
  • bundling agent a bundling agent different from the sizing agent or matrix resin is used. In this way, it becomes possible to improve processability in production step of molding material.
  • a bundling agent as its configuration, for example, bundling agents in liquid state, in a form of cloth or in a form of particle are mentioned. In view of handling property of bundling agent, particulate one is preferable.
  • component of such a bundling agent for example, epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyamide as a low melting point polymer, polyester, polyurethane or a mixed resin thereof are mentioned.
  • These bundling agents may be used as it is, or may be used by dispersing in a solvent such as water.
  • the main purpose of bundling agent in the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is maintaining or binding a large number of reinforcing fibers in a state of bundle, but it may also be made useful, by depositing the bundling agent to the reinforcing fibers more than sufficient amount for binding the reinforcing fibers, for bonding a large number of chopped fiber bundles with each other by the bundling agent. For example, by increasing an amount of sizing agent to be deposited to the reinforcing fibers, the large number of chopped fiber bundles may be integrated with each other.
  • the matrix resin is a thermosetting resin
  • a large number of chopped fiber bundles may be integrated by impregnating or semi-impregnating the reinforcing fibers with the matrix resin.
  • the matrix resin is a thermoplastic resin
  • a large number of chopped fiber bundles may be integrated by pressing in a heated state to melting point or more.
  • the molding material to be obtained comprises, other than reinforcing fibers, only the sizing agent and/or matrix resin, it is possible to decrease factors for lowering physical characteristics of the molding material.
  • an amount of the matrix resin in the molding material is 20 to 75 mass%. In the case where the amount of the matrix resin in the molding material is less than 20 mass%, since the amount of the resin is small, flowability, which is one of important characteristics of the molding material of the invention, may be impaired. In the case where the amount of the matrix resin in the molding material is more than 75 mass%, since an amount of the reinforcing fibers becomes smaller than the amount of the resin, it becomes difficult to improve mechanical characteristics of the fiber reinforced plastic to be obtained. It is more preferable that the amount of the matrix resin in the molding material is 35 to 55 mass%.
  • thermosetting resin As the matrix resin used for the molding material, a thermosetting resin is preferable in some cases. Since the thermosetting resin has a cross-linked structure, in general, it is high in modulus and excellent in shape stability. In a fiber reinforced plastic produced from that, a high modulus and an excellent dimensional stability are exhibited. In thermosetting resins, resin viscosity can be controlled in a low viscosity. For that reason, a thermosetting resin of which viscosity is appropriately controlled can easily be impregnated into a chopped fiber bundle. And, by appropriately controlling viscosity of the thermosetting resin, as required, in any step of production of fiber reinforced plastic, it is possible to impart the resin. And, a molding material in which resin is in an uncured state to room temperature has flexibility.
  • such a molding material is easy to be cut or to conform to a mold shape and excellent in handling property.
  • such a molding material is integrated only by being pressed with each other or to other substrate, and therefore, operation for forming a laminate with each other or with other substrate becomes easy.
  • thermoplastic resin As the matrix resin used for the molding material, a thermoplastic resin is preferable in some cases.
  • thermoplastic resins since thermoplastic resins has high toughness, by using a thermoplastic resin as matrix resin, it is possible to prevent linkage of cracks generated, which is a weak point of short fiber reinforced plastic, with each other, and strength of the short fiber reinforced plastic is improved.
  • the arranging directions of reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber bundle are the same.
  • a molding material is produced by scattering a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention on a substrate in a form of sheet such that the arranging directions of reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber bundle are the same.
  • a slit nozzle capable of supplying each chopped fiber bundle on a substrate in a state in which arranging direction of reinforcing fiber is directed to a fixed direction is mentioned.
  • the state where the arranging directions of the reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber is substantially the same refers to a state in which, when average of the arranging directions of the reinforcing fiber contained in the chopped fiber bundle is taken as the representative arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers in the chopped fiber bundle, those chopped fiber bundles in the chopped fiber bundle aggregate with their representative arranging directions staying within ⁇ 10% account for 90% or more of the total chopped fiber bundles of the aggregate of chopped fiber bundles.
  • the molding material of the invention comprises a laminate containing a laminate of plural sheet assemblies of the chopped fiber bundles
  • arranging directions of reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber bundle in each sheet aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles are the same, and in addition, in the laminate, arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber in the sheet aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles which forms one layer and arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber in sheet aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles which forms another layer are different.
  • fiber reinforced plastic is broken when cracks are linked in direction perpendicular to direction of force (thickness direction).
  • direction of force thickness direction
  • a molding material with a laminate to make it hard that the cracks penetrate into thickness direction
  • Such a molding material of the invention is produced by, for example, scattering a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention in a sheet form over a substrate in such a manner that the reinforcing fibers in each chopped fiber bundle are arranged in the same direction, to form a layer comprising an aggregate of chopped fiber bundles, and scattering a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention in a sheet form over the layer formed above in such a manner that the arranging direction of these reinforcing fibers is different from the arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle in the layer formed first while the reinforcing fibers in one chopped fiber bundle are in the same arranging direction.
  • a quasi-isotropic lamination such as [+45/0/-45/90] S or [0/ ⁇ 60] S is preferable since it is possible to make physical characteristics of laminate (molding material) uniform as a whole, and, it is possible to prevent a generation of warp of laminate (molding material) to be obtained.
  • molding material 91 of Fig. 9 comprises an aggregate in which the large number of chopped fiber bundles CFB of the invention locate in a state in which arranging directions of the respective reinforcing fibers are random.
  • the large number of chopped fiber bundles CFB are superposed partially, but a clear layer structure is not formed.
  • This molding material 91 can be, compared to a case in which a molding material having a layer structure in which arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber of the chopped fiber bundle is controlled, produced in a low cost, and it can be said to be a molding material which is isotropic and easy to design.
  • a pellet for injection molding obtainable by kneading a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention and a thermoplastic resin, and molding by continuously extruding in a form of rod and cutting the molded continuous rod in its longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval.
  • Conventional pellet for injection molding is produced by cutting, by a rotary cutter or the like, a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in perpendicular direction to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber to make a chopped fiber bundle, kneading the obtained chopped fiber bundle together with a thermoplastic resin in an extruder, molding by continuously extruding in a form of rod, and by cutting the molded continuous rod in its longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval.
  • each reinforcing fiber is arranged at shifted position with each other in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber, in the case where it is kneaded with a resin of high viscosity such as thermoplastic resin, the reinforcing fibers are easy to be separated and it is possible to obtain a molding material excellent in dispersibility and of little aggregation.
  • the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles comprising a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention may be three-dimensionally shaped such that it has at least one bending portion in cross-sectional shape.
  • a fiber reinforced plastic having also a three dimensional shape is molded by using the molding material of the invention having a three dimensional shape, it is not necessary to make the chopped fiber bundles flow greatly during molding, preventing waving and maldistribution of the arranged reinforcing fibers from being caused by the flow, and as result fiber reinforced plastics with high quality stability can be obtained.
  • the molding material of the invention having a three dimensional shape, for example, by the following way.
  • a production method of molding material in which a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention are scattered on a molding base in a form of sheet to thereby integrate, and shaping the integrated sheet into a three-dimensional shape.
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view to explain one example of the production method of molding material of the invention having a three dimensional shape.
  • a production apparatus of molding material of the invention having three dimensional shape comprises a plurality of bobbins 102 (in Fig.
  • a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle 101 is wound, guide rollers 103 and 104 for the continuous reinforcing fiber, a roller cutter 105 which takes out the continuous reinforcing fibers from the bobbins 102 and cuts the continuous reinforcing fibers at fixed interval in a direction inclined with respect to longitudinal direction of the continuous reinforcing fiber, a bundling agent feeding device 106 which imparts a bundling agent to chopped fiber bundles obtained by cutting the continuous reinforcing fibers, a bundling agent supply port 107 provided to side portion of the bundling agent feeding device 106, a slit nozzle 108 which controls arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundles imparted the bundling agent into a fixed direction, a molding base 109 comprising a shaping mold having three dimensional shape, and a robot arm 110.
  • the roller cutter 105 is fixed to upper portion of the bundling agent feeding device 106.
  • the bundling agent feeding device 106 has, in its upper portion, a chopped fiber bundle inlet for receiving chopped fiber bundles obtained by the cutting, and in its lower portion, a chopped fiber bundle discharge port which discharges the chopped fiber bundle to which the bundling agent has been imparted.
  • the slit nozzle 108 has, in its upper portion, a chopped fiber bundle inlet which receives the chopped fiber bundles discharged from the chopped fiber bundle discharge port, and in its lower portion, a chopped fiber bundle discharge port which discharges the chopped fiber bundles of which arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber has been controlled in the fixed direction.
  • the slit nozzle 108 is fixed to the lower portion of the bundling agent feeding device 106.
  • the tip of the robot arm 110 is connected to a side portion of the bundling agent feeding device 106.
  • the tip of the robot arm 110 is made freely movable with respect to the molding base 109, by a robot arm operating apparatus (not shown in the figure).
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle 101 taken out from the bobbin 102 by the roller of the roller cutter 105 is introduced to the roller cutter 105 through the guide rollers 103 and 104, and at that position, it is cut such that chopped fiber bundles of the invention are formed.
  • the chopped fiber bundles obtained by the cutting are introduced to the bundling agent feeding device 106.
  • a powdery bundling agent supplied from the bundling agent supply port 107 is imparted to the chopped fiber bundles.
  • the chopped fiber bundle imparted with the bundling agent is introduced to the slit nozzle 108.
  • the chopped fiber bundles move inside the slit nozzle 108, the chopped fiber bundles are arranged such that the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber is made into the fixed direction.
  • the arranged chopped fiber bundles are discharged from the slit nozzle 108, and drop with the arrangement of the chopped fiber bundle substantially maintained, to arrive at a surface of the molding base 109.
  • Arriving position of the chopped fiber bundle at the surface of the molding base 109 is, by an operation of the robot arm 110, changed one after another, to form a layer of the chopped fiber bundles, deposited with the powdery bundling agent, on the molding base 109.
  • a layer of the chopped fiber bundles formed on the molding base 109 is heated in order to melt the powdery bundling agent contained therein, and by the melted bundling agent, an integration of the chopped fiber bundles with each other is carried out, to produce the molding material of the invention having a three dimensional shape.
  • a fiber reinforced plastic of the invention comprises an aggregate of chopped fiber bundles of the invention and a matrix resin. Accordingly, the chopped fiber bundles in the fiber reinforced plastic of the invention, has its fiber length of reinforcing fiber of 5 to 100 mm, and has, from both ends of the chopped fiber bundle to the center portion in longitudinal direction of the chopped fiber bundle, along arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber, transition sections in which number of reinforcing fibers in cross-section of the chopped fiber bundle increases, and across whole area of the chopped fiber bundle, the change of total cross-sectional area of reinforcing fibers in cross-section of the chopped fiber bundle is 0.05 mm 2 or less per 1 mm.
  • the chopped fiber bundle in fiber reinforced plastic has a configuration in which number of reinforcing fibers decreases from the center portion to the tip portions, in the fiber reinforced plastic, a force born by a chopped fiber bundle can gradually be shared to chopped fiber bundles in vicinity, and it is possible to effectively decrease stress concentration.
  • stress transmission efficiency is greatly improved. It is preferable that this change is 0.04 mm 2 or less. In order to minimize the effect of stress concentration, it is better that this change is 0.025 mm 2 or less.
  • the total change of number of reinforcing fibers is 1,400 fibers or less per 1 mm. It is preferable that this total change of number is 1,000 fibers or less. In order to minimize the effect of stress concentration, it is better that this total change of number is 600 fibers or less.
  • Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view of one example of conventional fiber reinforced plastic comprising an aggregate of conventional chopped fiber bundles and a matrix resin.
  • the cross-section 122 of the conventional fiber reinforced plastic 121 cut in thickness direction (in Fig. 12 , up and down direction (vertical direction)) is shown.
  • the cross-section 122 it is found that at the tip portion 125 of the conventional chopped fiber bundle 124 where a large number of reinforcing fibers 123 are arranged approximately parallel to left and right direction (horizontal direction) of the cross-section 122, tip portions of the large number of reinforcing fibers 123 are present in substantially the same position in up and down direction (vertical direction) of the cross-section 122.
  • tip portions of the large number of reinforcing fibers 123 are, at the tip portion 125 of the chopped fiber bundle 124, concentrated in one position without shifted with each other in its longitudinal direction, and it is found that the tip portion 125 of the chopped fiber bundle 124 is precipitous in up and down direction (vertical direction) of the cross-section 122.
  • cross-section 122 of the conventional fiber reinforced plastic 121 shown in Fig. 12 when a force is loaded in left and right direction (horizontal direction) of the cross-section 122, stress concentration is generated and at a low force, the fiber reinforced plastic 121 is broken in some cases. And, since the chopped fiber bundle 124 comprising the tip portion 125 of a large number of reinforcing fibers 123 arranged in a direction approximately parallel to left and right direction (horizontal direction) of cross-section 122 has the above-mentioned geometric shape, when the fiber reinforced plastic 121 is molded, a wave of the conventional chopped fiber bundle 124 is easy to be generated in its thickness direction (up and down direction (vertical direction) of the cross-section 122).
  • the generated wave of the chopped fiber bundle 124 causes a decrease of modulus or strength of the molded fiber reinforced plastic 121. Furthermore, at outside of the tip portion 125 of the chopped fiber bundle 124, in contact with the tip portion 125, a resin puddle 126 of matrix resin is easy to be generated. The generated resin puddle 126 not only becomes a generation source of cracks by thermal stress, but also becomes a generation source of voids.
  • Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of one example of the fiber reinforced plastic of the invention comprising an aggregate of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention and a matrix resin.
  • the cross-section 112 obtained by cutting the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention in thickness direction (in Fig. 11 , up and down direction (vertical direction)) is shown.
  • number of the reinforcing fibers 113 of the chopped fiber bundle of the invention 114 in which a large number of reinforcing fibers 113 is arranged approximately parallel to left and right direction (horizontal direction) of the cross-section 112, decreases continuously from center portion of the chopped fiber bundle 114 toward the tip portion 115.
  • the state in which the number of the reinforcing fibers 113 of the chopped fiber bundle 114 decreases from center portion toward the tip portion 115 of the chopped fiber bundle 114 means that, in the cross-section 112 of the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention shown in Fig. 11 , when a force is loaded to left and right direction (horizontal direction) of the cross-section 112, transmission of the force between adjacent chopped fiber bundles 114 is not effected immediately, i.e., it is gradually effected and a stress concentration is hard to be generated. That is, transmission efficiency of force in the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention is improved compared to that of the conventional fiber reinforced plastic 121.
  • each reinforcing fiber 123 of each chopped fiber bundle 124 contained in the conventional fiber reinforced plastic 121 and the fiber length of each reinforcing fiber 113 of each chopped fiber bundle 114 contained in the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention are the same, since, compared to the across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle (refer to Fig. 6 ) of each chopped fiber bundle 124 contained in the conventional fiber reinforced plastic 121, the across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle (refer to Figs. 1 to 3 ) of each chopped fiber bundle 114 contained in the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention is long, average thickness of each chopped fiber bundle contained in the fiber reinforced plastic becomes small. As a result, compared to the conventional fiber reinforced plastic 121, the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention has better mechanical characteristics.
  • the cross-section 112 of the fiber reinforced plastic 111 of the invention it is preferable that in its thickness direction (in Fig. 11 , up and down direction (vertical direction)), at least 20 of the chopped fiber bundle 114 are accumulated.
  • the number of accumulation of the chopped fiber bundle is the average value of 10 measured values obtained by measuring number of chopped fiber bundle present in thickness direction by a cross-sectional observation, in the respective of 10 points randomly selected on surface of fiber reinforced plastic. It is general that, in fiber reinforced plastic, thickness is thin compared to its entire size, and as the thickness of each chopped fiber bundle contained in fiber reinforced plastic becomes thinner with respect to thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic, the strength of fiber reinforced plastic increases higher. In particular, in the case where 20 or more chopped fiber bundles are accumulated in thickness direction of fiber reinforced plastic, improvement of strength of the fiber reinforced plastic is significant. It is preferable that the number of accumulation of the chopped fiber bundle is 30 or more, and in order to realize a stable strength of which strength dispersion is small, it is more preferable that the number of accumulation of chopped fiber bundle is 40 or more.
  • an average thickness of each chopped fiber bundle present therein is 100 ⁇ m or less.
  • the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle is the average value of 10 points obtained by, in the respective of 10 points randomly selected on surface of fiber reinforced plastic, measuring number of chopped fiber bundle present in thickness direction and thickness of each chopped fiber bundle by a cross-sectional observation, and dividing the total of the obtained each thicknesses by the number of chopped fiber bundle.
  • the thickness of chopped fiber bundle in the fiber reinforced plastic is thin, and it is preferable to be 100 ⁇ m or less. In order to realize a stable strength of which strength dispersion is small, it is more preferable that the thickness of chopped fiber bundle is 50 ⁇ m or less.
  • a chopped fiber bundle of which thickness is 50 ⁇ m or less is difficult to produce in some cases by simply cutting a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • the molding material as means for making thickness of chopped fiber bundle into 50 ⁇ m or less, a means in which, when a molding material is press-molded from a large number of chopped fiber bundles, the large number of chopped fiber bundles is placed relatively thick on a mold in a range smaller than a mold area such that a charge ratio of chopped fiber bundle is low, and each chopped fiber bundle is opened while being pressed to mold a molding material, is mentioned.
  • the charge ratio is referred to, when the mold is viewed from the above, an area occupied by the molding material (starting material of molding material) before starting the press with respect to the mold area.
  • the same means can also be used when a fiber reinforced plastic is molded from a molding material or a large number of chopped fiber bundles.
  • a means for making thickness of chopped fiber bundle 50 ⁇ m or less a means in which, when a chopped fiber bundle is produced from a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle is cut after opening, is mentioned.
  • the opening of continuous reinforcing fiber bundle can be done, for example, by contacting a running continuous reinforcing fiber bundle with a roller or vibrating or air blowing.
  • a fiber reinforced plastic of the invention comprises a laminate of plural layers of which each layer comprises a reinforcing fiber and a matrix resin
  • at least 2 layers of the plural layers are formed with an aggregate of a large number of chopped fiber bundles of the invention, and arranging directions of reinforcing fibers contained in each chopped fiber bundle in the respective 2 layers are the same with each other, and in addition, arranging directions of the reinforcing fiber of the 2 layers are different with each other.
  • Such a fiber reinforced plastic is, since it becomes easy to design such that desired mechanical characteristics are obtained by controlling arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber contained in chopped fiber bundle of each layer which comprises the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles, compared to a fiber reinforced plastic of which arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber is random, dispersion of mechanical characteristics is small. And, in such a fiber reinforced plastic, since between the 2 layers comprising the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles, directions in which crack is easy to generate are different, spreading of cracks to adjacent layer is prevented, and it becomes possible to realize a high strength in fiber reinforced plastic. It is more preferable that both of adjacent layers comprise the aggregate of the chopped fiber bundles.
  • a fiber reinforced plastic of the invention is produced by, for example, arranging the molding material of the invention in a cavity of a mold in a state smaller than projected area of the cavity, and in addition, thicker than the cavity thickness, and by extending the molding material by clamping the mold to pressurize the molding material and to finally fill in the cavity with the molding material, and after completing the molding, by taking out the molded article from the mold. Further, a fiber reinforced plastic of the invention is produced by arranging the molding material of the invention in a sealed cavity of a mold, and injecting a matrix resin to impregnate in the molding material with the matrix resin.
  • the molding material of the invention or the fiber reinforced plastic of the invention is preferably used for production of members for sports goods such as parts of bicycle, shaft or head of golf club in which strength, rigidity and lightness are required, interior materials for aircraft, automobile parts such as door or sheet frame, and machine parts such as robot arm. Among them, it is more preferably used for production of automobile parts such as sheet panel or sheet frame in which, in addition to strength and lightness, mold following capability to complicated shape at molding is required.
  • Measuring method of tensile strength of fiber reinforced plastic in the examples From a flat plate fiber reinforced plastic obtained in an example, a test piece for tensile strength of a length of 250 ⁇ 1 mm and a width of 25 ⁇ 0.2 mm was cut out. For the obtained test piece, in accordance with the test method prescribed in JIS K-7073(1998), tensile strength was measured by setting distance between marks to 150 mm and at a cross-head speed of 2.0 mm /minute. As a tensile strength tester, Instron (trademark) 4208 universal tester was used. Number of the test pieces provided to the measurement was 5 pieces and average value of each measured value was taken as the tensile strength of the fiber reinforced plastic.
  • a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle As a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle comprising a large number of carbon fibers having substantially no twist and no sizing was used. Diameter of the reinforcing fiber (single fiber) was 7 ⁇ m, number of the reinforcing fibers was 12,000, tensile strength of the reinforcing fiber bundle was 5.0 GPa and tensile modulus of the reinforcing fiber bundle was 240 GPa.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was continuously immersed in a sizing agent mother liquid in which a reactive urethane resin emulsion (produced by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., Superflex-R5000) is diluted with purified water such that the resin component is made into 2.0 mass%, to impart the sizing agent to the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle to which the sizing agent was imparted was dried by hot rollers of 150°C and a drying furnace of 200°C under a dry tension of 600 g/dtex, to remove water. Amount of the sizing agent was 1.2 mass%.
  • a rotary cutter provided with blades at 5 mm interval along peripheral direction was prepared.
  • the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle to which the sizing agent was imparted was continuously inserted to the rotary cutter at an angle of 12° with respect to the blades of rotary cutter, to produce a chopped fiber bundle.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had the shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3 shown in Fig. 3 , that is, it had no constant section and had two transition sections 13a and 13b.
  • the angle made by the side 15a and the side 16a, and the angle made by the side 15b and the side 16b at both tip portions of the chopped fiber bundle CFB3, were an angle of 12°, respectively.
  • each reinforcing fiber 11 was, although there was dispersion of about 3% in the same chopped fiber bundle, 25 mm.
  • Number of increase of the reinforcing fiber 11 in each transition section 13a or 13b was, 500 fibers ⁇ 100 fibers per 1 mm of the reinforcing fiber 11 in arranging direction.
  • Change of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in each transition section 13a or 13b was, 0.016 to 0.023 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • vinyl ester resin produced by Dow Chemical Co., Derakane 790 100 wt parts, as a curing agent, tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (produced by Nippon Oil & Fats Co., Perbutyl Z) 1 wt part, as an internal release agent, zinc stearate (produced by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., SZ-2000) 2 wt parts and as a thickener, magnesium oxide (produced by Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., MgO#40) 4 wt parts were used and they were sufficiently mixed and stirred to obtain a resin paste.
  • vinyl ester resin produced by Dow Chemical Co., Derakane 790
  • tert-butyl peroxybenzoate produced by Nippon Oil & Fats Co., Perbutyl Z
  • zinc stearate produced by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., SZ-2000
  • magnesium oxide produced by Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., MgO#40
  • the obtained resin paste (matrix resin) was coated on the respective 2 release films made of polypropylene by a doctor blade, to obtain 2 resin sheets.
  • a large number of the above-mentioned chopped fiber bundles CFB3 were uniformly dropped to scatter such that the weight per unit area was made into 725 g/m 2 .
  • the other resin sheet prepared beforehand was laminated with the matrix resin surface inside, to obtain an SMC sheet.
  • the volume content of the reinforcing fiber in the SMC sheet was made into 40%.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that flowability of the molding material during the molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted with flat surface of test bed in its entire surface when it was only placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • Thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and at 10 points randomly selected on a surface of the fiber reinforced plastic, number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction was measured by cross-sectional observation, and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 32. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was found to be approximately 90 ⁇ m.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • transition sections 13a and 13b in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 in which number of reinforcing fibers increases and the number of reinforcing fibers increased in the range of 1,300 fibers ⁇ 100 fibers per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • change of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b was 0.047 to 0.054 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • an SMC sheet (molding material) was prepared in the same way as Example 1 and a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 1.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled in the mold cavity used and it was found that the flowability of molding material in molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction (how many chopped fiber bundles of which arranging directions of reinforcing fiber were different crossed in thickness direction) was measured by a cross-sectional observation at 10 points randomly selected on a surface of the fiber reinforced plastic and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 22. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was about 130 ⁇ m.
  • Example 2 a tensile test was carried out in the same way as Example 1.
  • the tensile modulus was high as 29 GPa and as to tensile strength also, a high value as 250 MPa was obtained.
  • increase of mechanical characteristics of 20% or more in modulus and about 70% in strength was obtained.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic was cut out and the cut surface was observed, as shown in Fig.
  • the chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle As a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle, a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle (RS570M-521ZS, fiber weight 570 tex, produced by Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd.) comprising a large number of glass fibers to which a sizing agent had been deposited was used.
  • This continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was taken out in an untwisted state from a bobbin by peripheral unwinding, cut in the same way as Example 1, to obtain chopped fiber bundles.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle was the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 in a shape as shown in Fig. 2 .
  • the sides 16a and 16b of tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 were in a form of straight line of an angle of 12° with respect to arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 and the fiber length Lf of the reinforcing fiber 11 was 25 mm, although there was an dispersion of about 2% in the same chopped fiber bundle. From the tip portions to the center portion of the chopped fiber bundle CFB2 there were the transition sections 13a and 13b in which number of reinforcing fibers increases in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11 and number of reinforcing fibers was increased in the range of 230 fibers ⁇ 40 fibers per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • change of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b was 0.015 to 0.021 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • the total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 was determined by multiplying 7.85 ⁇ 10 -5 mm 2 which is the cross-sectional area of the reinforcing fiber (single fiber) 11 to the obtained change of number of reinforcing fibers.
  • an SMC sheet (molding material) was prepared in the same way as Example 1 and a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 1.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled in the mold cavity used, and it was found that the flowability of molding material in molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction was measured by a cross-sectional observation at 10 points randomly selected on surface of the fiber reinforced plastic and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 29. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was about 100 ⁇ m.
  • Example 2 a tensile test was carried out in the same way as Example 1.
  • the tensile modulus was high as 18 GPa, and as to tensile strength, a high value was obtained as 300 MPa.
  • increase of mechanical characteristics of about 20% in modulus and about 70% in strength was obtained.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic was cut out and the cut surface was observed, and as shown in Fig.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • thermoplastic resin produced by Japan Epoxy Resins Co., "Epikote (trademark) "828 : 30 wt parts, “Epikote (trademark) "1001 : 35 wt parts and “Epikote (trademark) "154 : 35 wt parts
  • a thermoplastic resin polyvinyl formal (produced by Chisso Corp., "Vinylec (trademark)” K) 5 wt parts was heated/kneaded by a kneader to uniformly dissolve the polyvinyl formal and then, a curing agent, dicyandiamide (produced by Japan Epoxy Resins Co., DICY7) 3.5 wt parts and a curing accelerator, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea (produced by Hodogaya Chemical Co., DCMU99) 4 wt parts were kneaded by a kneader to prepare an uncured epoxy resin composition.
  • a carbon fiber sheet in which a large number of carbon fibers are arranged in one direction was prepared. Diameter of the reinforcing fiber (single fiber) was 7 ⁇ m, tensile strength of the reinforcing fiber was 5.0 GPa, and the tensile modulus of the reinforcing fiber was 240 GPa.
  • the prepared resin film was superposed and by heat-pressing, the resin was impregnated into the reinforcing fiber sheet to prepare a prepreg sheet.
  • the weight of reinforcing fiber per unit area in the obtained prepreg sheet was 100 g/m 2 , the volume content Vf of reinforcing fiber was 50% and the thickness was 0.11 mm.
  • the obtained prepreg sheet was, by using an automatic cutter, cut in straight line at 25 mm interval in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber and at an angle of 12° with the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber, to prepare a bias cut prepreg tape.
  • the prepared prepreg tape was cut in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber at 5 mm interval in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber, to prepare a chopped fiber bundle.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had a width Wb of 5 mm, a thickness Tb of 110 ⁇ m, and a fiber length Lf of the reinforcing fiber 11 of 25 mm.
  • change of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b was 0.010 to 0.012 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundles were randomly scattered on a release film such that its weight was made into approximately 6,000 g/m 2 , and further thereon, another release film was put, lightly pressed on the release film, to integrate a large number of chopped fiber bundles with each other by the resin tackiness and obtained a molding material.
  • a sheet of 250 mm ⁇ 250 mm size was cut out and the obtained sheet was arranged approximately on center portion of a flat mold having a cavity of 300x300 mm size.
  • the charge ratio in this arrangement is 70%.
  • the matrix resin was cured under a pressure of 6 MPa, by a condition of 150°C ⁇ 30 minutes, to obtain a flat plate fiber reinforced plastic of 300 ⁇ 300 mm size.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that the flowability of molding material in molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction was measured by a cross-sectional observation at 10 points randomly selected on a surface of the fiber reinforced plastic and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 41. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was about 70 ⁇ m.
  • the tensile modulus was a very high value as 41 GPa and the tensile strength was a high value as 400 MPa.
  • increase of mechanical characteristics of 40% or more in modulus and 2.5 times or more in strength were obtained.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic was cut out and the cut surface was observed, as shown in Fig.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency. And, compared to Example 1, strength was increased and it was estimated to be due to prevention of linkage of cracks with each other by being the resin highly tough.
  • a carbon fiber sheet in which a large number of carbon fibers are arranged in one direction was prepared.
  • Diameter of the reinforcing fiber (single fiber) was 7 ⁇ m and the tensile strength was 5.0 GPa and the tensile modulus was 240 GPa.
  • the prepared thermoplastic resin sheets were superposed and by heat-pressing, the resin was impregnated into the reinforcing fiber sheet, to prepare a prepreg sheet.
  • the weight of reinforcing fiber per unit area in the obtained prepreg sheet was 100 g/m 2 , the volume content Vf of reinforcing fiber was 50% and the thickness was 0.11 mm.
  • the obtained prepreg sheet was cut in the same way as Example 4, to prepare chopped fiber bundles.
  • the angle between the chopped fiber bundle tip portion (the sides 16a and 16b in Fig. 2 ) and the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber was 12°
  • the width Wb was 5 mm
  • thickness Tb was 110 ⁇ m
  • the fiber length Lf of the reinforcing fiber 11 was 25 mm.
  • change of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b was 0.010 to 0.012 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that the flowability of molding material in molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction was measured by a cross-sectional observation at 10 points randomly selected on a surface of the fiber reinforced plastic and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 39. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was about 70 ⁇ m.
  • the tensile modulus was a very high value as 38 GPa and the tensile strength was a high value as 420 MPa.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • Va-RTM vacuum assisted resin transfer molding
  • a chopped fiber bundle was prepared.
  • the laminate was prepared such that the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber in each layer of the laminated chopped fiber aggregate was made into [45/0/- 45/90/-45/0/45] in order. Only the center 90° was made into 2 times thickness of the other layers.
  • resin (matrix resin) for injection a liquid epoxy resin obtained by mixing "Epikote 807”(produced by Yuka Shell Epoxy KK) 70 wt parts and “Epikote 630" (produced by Yuka Shell Epoxy KK) 30 wt parts which are epoxy resins and "Ancamine 2049" (produced by Pacific Anchor Chemical Corp.) 43 wt parts which is an amine curing agent were used.
  • resin temperature was 50°C and viscosity was 50 mPa ⁇ s.
  • an injection port and a pressure reduction port of tube made of polyamide resin were provided, and all of them including the molding material were sealed by covering with a bagging film.
  • a disposable cup containing the matrix resin was connected and to the pressure reduction port, a vacuum pump was connected, and a Va-RTM molding was carried out. After finishing the matrix resin injection, it was put into an oven together with the mold, heated to 100°C, maintained in that condition for 2 hours to cure the matrix resin, and it was demolded after the mold was cooled, to obtain a fiber reinforced plastic having no unimpregnated portion with the matrix resin.
  • the tensile modulus was a very high value as 43 GPa and the tensile strength was a high value as 410 MPa.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • Fibers were opened by adding a vibration to the same continuous reinforcing fiber bundle as that of Example 1, to broaden the width of fiber bundle from original 5 mm to 20 mm.
  • the broadened continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was, by using the same cutting means as Example 1, cut such that fiber length of reinforcing fiber was 25 mm, cut direction of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber was made into a straight line having an angle of 12°, to obtain a chopped fiber bundle.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had a shape of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 shown in Fig. 1 , that is, a shape of which length of the sides 16a and 16b, where reinforcing fibers were cut, was long.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle CFB1 had, from tip portions toward the center portion, in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11, the transition sections 13a and 13b in which number of reinforcing fibers increases, and the number of increase of the reinforcing fiber 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b was, 120 fibers ⁇ 20 fibers per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • the changes of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the respective transition sections 13a and 13b were 0.004 to 0.005 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber 11.
  • Example 1 By using the obtained chopped fiber bundle CFB1, an SMC sheet was prepared in the same way as Example 1, and by using the prepared SMC sheet, a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 1.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled in the mold cavity used, and it was found that the flowability of molding material in molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction was measured by a cross-sectional observation at 10 points randomly selected on a surface of the fiber reinforced plastic and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 90. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was about 30 ⁇ m. Since the length of the sides 16a and 16b, where reinforcing fibers were cut, of the chopped fiber bundle CFB1 was long, the chopped fiber bundle is easy to be opened at molding the fiber reinforced plastic, and it is estimated that, as a result, thickness the chopped fiber bundle in the obtained fiber reinforced plastic became thin.
  • the tensile modulus was a very high value as 39 GPa and the tensile strength was a high value as 410 MPa.
  • increase of mechanical characteristics of 60% or more in modulus and 2.5 times or more in strength were obtained.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic was cut out and the cut surface was observed, as shown in Fig.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • the same pellet of the copolymerized polyamide resin as Example 5 was heated at 200°C and pressed, to impregnate into the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle with the above-mentioned copolymerized polyamide resin as a matrix resin, and prepared a yarn prepreg of which volume content Vf of the reinforcing fiber was 50%.
  • the obtained yarn prepreg was cut, by using the same cutting means as Example 1, such that fiber length of the reinforcing fiber was 25 mm and a cut direction of reinforcing fiber was made into a straight line having an angle of 12° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber, to obtain a chopped fiber bundle.
  • the width Wb of the obtained chopped fiber bundle was 5.5 mm and the thickness Tb was 170 ⁇ m.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had, from the tip portions toward the center portion, in orientation direction of the reinforcing fiber, the transition sections 13a and 13b in which number of reinforcing fibers increases, and number of increase of the reinforcing fiber 11 in the transition sections 13a and 13b was 460 fibers ⁇ 50 fibers per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • the changes of total cross-sectional area of the large number of reinforcing fibers 11 in the respective transition sections 13a and 13b were 0.016 to 0.020 mm 2 per 1 mm in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was 2.8 mm, and number of chopped fiber bundles present in thickness direction was measured by a cross-sectional observation at 10 points randomly selected on a surface of the fiber reinforced plastic and when the data of the 10 points were averaged, it was found to be 28. By this fact, it was found that the average thickness of the chopped fiber bundle was about 100 ⁇ m.
  • the tensile modulus was a very high value as 33 GPa and the tensile strength was a high value as 380 MPa.
  • chopped fiber bundle was getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portion, in particular, chopped fiber bundle which runs parallel to the cut surface was also getting thinner from the center portion toward the tip portions, and the state in which the number of reinforcing fibers is decreasing can be seen, and it was found that a significant effect was obtained that not only tensile strength but also modulus were improved in the extent of improvement of load transmitting efficiency.
  • a chopped fiber bundle was prepared in the same way as Example 1.
  • the same resin film (matrix resin film) as Example 4 was placed on a flat plate mold, and on the surface of this resin film, the prepared chopped fiber bundles were accumulated in a sheet state such that, by passing through a slit nozzle, arranging direction of the reinforcing fibers of each chopped fiber bundle was made within the range of ⁇ 10°.
  • the same resin film was placed on the chopped fiber bundle accumulated in the sheet state.
  • the laminate sheet obtained comprising the lower side resin sheet, the middle chopped fiber bundle sheet and the upper side resin sheet was passed between calender rolls of a temperature of 60°C to impregnate into the chopped fiber bundle with the matrix resin, to prepare a prepreg sheet.
  • the weight of reinforcing fiber per unit area in the obtained prepreg sheet was 200 g/m 2 , the volume content Vf of reinforcing fiber was 50% and the thickness was 0.22 mm.
  • the obtained prepreg sheets were laminated in a laminate constitution of [45/0/-45/90] S to obtain a laminate of 250 ⁇ 250 mm size.
  • This laminate was arranged approximately on center portion of a flat mold having a cavity of 300 ⁇ 300 mm size.
  • the charge ratio in this arrangement is 70%.
  • the matrix resin was cured under a pressure of 6 MPa, by a condition of 150°C x 5 minutes, to obtain a flat plate fiber reinforced plastic of 300x300 mm size.
  • the fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that the flowability of molding material in molding step was good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic contacted in its entire surface with flat surface of test bed by only being placed on the flat surface of test bed, and it was found that there was no warp.
  • the thickness of the fiber reinforced plastic was, 1.8 mm.
  • the tensile modulus was a very high value as 41 GPa and the tensile strength was a high value as 420 MPa.
  • Strength dispersion, CV value was very low as 7%, and it was estimated that the dispersion of mechanical characteristics of fiber reinforced plastic was reduced by laminating the chopped fiber bundle sheets while controlling the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber.
  • Example 2 The same continuous reinforcing fiber bundle as Example 1 was cut by the same cutting method as Example 1, such that the fiber length of reinforcing fiber was 25 mm, and the cutting direction of the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was made into a straight line of an angle of 12° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fiber, to obtain a chopped fiber bundle.
  • the weight average fiber length in the obtained pellet was 0.5 mm.
  • the obtained pellet was subjected to an injection molding at a temperature of 210°C, and obtained a flat plate fiber reinforced plastic of 250 ⁇ 250 mm size.
  • This comparative example relates to an SMC sheet comprising a conventional chopped fiber bundle obtained by cutting continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in a direction of angle of 90° with respect to arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • the chopped fiber bundle by cutting the same continuous reinforcing fiber bundle as Example 1, blades were provided along peripheral direction of a rotary cutter at 25 mm interval, and the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was inserted at an angle of 90° with respect to the blades.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had a fiber length of reinforcing fiber of 25 mm, and the tip portion of chopped fiber bundle had a straight line shape of an angle of 90° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • Example 1 By using this chopped fiber bundle, an SMC sheet was prepared in the same way as Example 1, and by using the prepared SMC sheet, a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 1.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that flowability in molding step of the molding material had been good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic had no warp and its thickness was 2.8 mm.
  • the tensile modulus was 24 GPa and the tensile strength was 150 MPa.
  • the chopped fiber bundles which run parallel to the cut surface were cut perpendicular in thickness direction (in Fig. 12 , up and down direction (vertical direction)) at the tip portions, and beyond the tip portions, the resin paddles 126 were produced. In some of such resin paddles 126, voids were generated.
  • This comparative example relates to an SMC sheet comprising chopped fiber bundles of which fiber length is longer than Comparative example 1, and has an across length Ld of the chopped fiber bundle of the same level as Example 1.
  • the chopped fiber bundle by cutting the same continuous reinforcing fiber bundle as Example 1, blades were provided along peripheral direction of a rotary cutter at 50 mm interval, and the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was inserted at an angle of 90° with respect to the blades.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had a fiber length of reinforcing fiber of 50 mm, and the tip portion of chopped fiber bundle had a straight line shape of an angle of 90° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • Example 1 By using this chopped fiber bundle, an SMC sheet was prepared in the same way as Example 1, and by using the prepared SMC sheet, a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 1.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that flowability in molding step of the molding material had been good.
  • the produced fiber reinforced plastic had no warp and its thickness was 2.8 mm.
  • the tensile modulus was 26 GPa and the tensile strength was 160 MPa, i.e., it showed almost the same level of mechanical characteristics as that of Comparative example 1. It was found that by SMC sheet comprising conventional chopped fiber bundle, even if fiber length is made long, it has almost no contribution to improvement of mechanical characteristics of the fiber reinforced plastic.
  • This comparative example relates to an SMC sheet comprising a chopped fiber bundle obtained by cutting continuous reinforcing fiber bundle in a direction of angle 45° with respect to arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber.
  • the chopped fiber bundle by cutting the same continuous reinforcing fiber bundle as Example 1, blades were provided at 17.7 mm interval along peripheral direction of a rotary cutter, and the continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was inserted at an angle of 45° with respect to the blades.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had a fiber length of reinforcing fiber of 25 mm, and the tip portion of chopped fiber bundle had a straight line shape of an angle of 45° with respect to the arranging direction of reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • an SMC sheet was prepared in the same way as Example 1, and by using the prepared SMC sheet, a fiber reinforced plastic was molded.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that flowability in molding step of the molding material had been good.
  • the prepared fiber reinforced plastic had no warp and its thickness was 2.8 mm.
  • the tensile modulus was 25 GPa and the tensile strength was 200 MPa. Compared to Comparative example 1, although the strength was high, a significant improvement was not found. And, in modulus, almost no improvement was found.
  • a continuous reinforcing fiber bundle (RS570M-521ZS, fiber weight 570 tex, produced by Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd.) comprising a large number of glass fibers to which a sizing agent was deposited as that of Example 3, was used.
  • This continuous reinforcing fiber bundle was taken out from a bobbin by axial unwinding in twisted state, cut in the same way as Comparative example 1, to obtain a chopped fiber bundle.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle has a fiber length of reinforcing fiber of 25 mm and tip portion of the chopped fiber bundle had straight line shape of an angle of 90° with respect to arranging direction of reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • an SMC sheet was prepared in the same way as Example 3, and by using the prepared SMC sheet, a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 3.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that flowability in molding step of the molding material had been good.
  • the prepared fiber reinforced plastic had no warp and its thickness was 2.8 mm.
  • the tensile modulus was 15 GPa and the tensile strength was 180 MPa.
  • a prepreg was prepared and by using an automatic cutter, it was cut in straight line at 25 mm interval in arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber and at 5 mm interval in perpendicular direction with respect to arranging direction of the reinforcing fiber (width direction of arranged reinforcing fiber), to prepare a chopped fiber bundle of width 5 mm, thickness 110 ⁇ m and fiber length of reinforcing fiber 25 mm.
  • the obtained chopped fiber bundle had a fiber length of reinforcing fiber of 25 mm, and its tip portion of chopped fiber bundle was a straight line shape of an angle of 90° with respect to arranging direction of reinforcing fibers of the chopped fiber bundle.
  • Example 4 By using this chopped fiber bundle, a molding material was prepared in the same way as Example 4, and by using the prepared molding material, a fiber reinforced plastic was molded in the same way as Example 4.
  • the molded fiber reinforced plastic had been filled and it was found that flowability in molding step of the molding material had been good.
  • the prepared fiber reinforced plastic had no warp and its thickness was 2.8 mm.
  • the tensile modulus was 29 GPa and the tensile strength was 150 MPa.
  • the chopped fiber bundles which run parallel to the cut surface were cut perpendicular in thickness direction (in Fig. 12 , up and down direction (vertical direction)) at the tip portions, and at the tip of the tip portions, the resin paddles 126 were produced. In some of such resin paddles 126, voids were generated.
  • a pellet was prepared by using the same chopped fiber bundle as Comparative example 1 and by pelletizing in the same way as Example 10.
  • the weight average fiber length in the obtained pellet was 0.3 mm.
  • an injection molding was carried out in the same way as Example 10, to mold a flat plate fiber reinforced plastic.
  • the tensile modulus was 12 GPa and the tensile strength was 180 MPa.
  • a chopped fiber bundle which has good flowability and conformability in the case where it is used as a molding material, and exhibits excellent mechanical property in the case where it is used as a fiber reinforced plastic, and a production method thereof are provided. And, a molding material, a fiber reinforced plastic and a production method thereof in which the chopped fiber bundle of the invention is used are provided.
  • the molding material of the invention or the fiber reinforced plastic of the invention are preferably used for production of members for sports goods such as bicycle parts, or shaft or head of golf club, interior materials for aircraft, automobile parts such as door or sheet frame, machine parts such as robot arm in which strength, rigidity and lightness are required.
  • members for sports goods such as bicycle parts, or shaft or head of golf club
  • interior materials for aircraft such as automobile parts such as door or sheet frame
  • machine parts such as robot arm in which strength, rigidity and lightness are required.
  • automobile parts such as sheet panel or sheet frame in which, in addition to strength and lightness, conformability to complicated shape at molding is required.

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Claims (10)

  1. Faisceau de fibres coupées CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g comprenant :
    (a) un grand nombre de fibres de renforcement (11) agencées de manière unidirectionnelle et un agent de mise en faisceau qui regroupe ledit grand nombre de fibres de renforcement (11), dans lequel
    (b) la longueur de fibre de ladite fibre de renforcement (11) est comprise entre 5 et 100 mm,
    (c) ledit faisceau de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) a une première section de transition (13a) dans laquelle le nombre desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans une section transversale du faisceau de fibres (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) perpendiculaire à la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11) augmente en allant d'une première pointe (12a) qui est une pointe dans la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11) vers une deuxième pointe (12b) qui est une autre pointe et a également une deuxième section de transition (13b) dans laquelle ledit nombre de fibres de renforcement (11) dans la section transversale du faisceau de fibres (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) augmente en allant de ladite deuxième pointe (12b) vers ladite première pointe (12a), et
    (d) ledit faisceau de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) ayant une section constante (14) située entre ladite première section de transition (13a) et ladite deuxième section de transition (13b) dans la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans laquelle ledit nombre de fibres de renforcement (11) dans la section transversale du faisceau de fibres (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) est constant, dans lequel une face d'extrémité de ladite section constante (14Ea) coïncide avec une première face d'extrémité terminale (13Ea) de ladite première section de transition (13a) qui se trouve à une extrémité opposée de ladite première pointe (12a) tandis qu'une autre face d'extrémité de ladite section constante (14Ea) coïncide avec une deuxième face d'extrémité terminale (13Eb) de ladite deuxième section de transition (13b) qui se trouve à l'opposé de ladite deuxième pointe (12b), ou dans lequel ladite première face d'extrémité terminale (13Ea) coïncide directement avec ladite deuxième face d'extrémité terminale (13Eb), et dans lequel
    (e) entre ladite première pointe (12a) et ladite deuxième pointe (12b), le changement de la surface de section transversale totale des fibres de renforcement (11) dans ladite section transversale du faisceau de fibres (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g), mesuré le long de la direction d'agencement de ladite fibre de renforcement (11), est inférieur ou égal à 0,05 mm2 par 1 mm, et caractérisé en ce que
    la valeur maximale d'une surface de section transversale totale desdites fibres de renforcement (11) est inférieure à 0,1 mm2 et, entre ladite première pointe (12a) et ladite deuxième pointe (12b), un changement du nombre desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans la section transversale du faisceau de fibres (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g), mesuré le long de la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11), est inférieur ou égal à 30% dudit nombre maximal des fibres de renforcement (11) par 1 mm et/ou
    dans lequel lesdites fibres de renforcement (11) sont des fibres de carbone, le nombre desdites fibres de carbone (11) est compris entre 1000 et 700000, et entre ladite première pointe (12a) et ladite deuxième pointe (12b), un changement du nombre desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans la section transversale du faisceau de fibres (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g), mesuré le long de la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11), est inférieur ou égal à 1400 par 1 mm et/ou
    dans lequel une valeur du rapport Wb/Tb est comprise entre 20 et 400, où Wb représente la largeur dudit faisceau de fibres (11) mesurée perpendiculairement à la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans une vue en plan qui a un état où ladite largeur devient la plus grande, tandis que Tb représente l'épaisseur maximale dudit faisceau de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) mesurée perpendiculairement à la vue en plan.
  2. Faisceau de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la valeur maximale d'une surface de section transversale totale desdites fibres de renforcement (11) est supérieure ou égale à 0,1 mm2.
  3. Faisceau de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel toutes lesdites fibres de renforcement (11) ont la même longueur.
  4. Faisceau de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel, dans une vue en plan qui a un état où la largeur dudit faisceau de fibres (11) devient la plus grande, un côté s'étendant à partir de ladite pointe (12a, 12b) vers une extrémité forme un segment droit dans la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans une forme externe de chacune des sections de transition (13a, 13b) tandis qu'un autre côté (15a, 15b) forme un segment droit incliné d'un angle compris entre 2 et 30° par rapport à la direction d'agencement desdites fibres de renforcement (11).
  5. Matériau de moulage (91) comprenant un agrégat de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) comprenant une ou plusieurs couche(s) d'un grand nombre des faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) sont intégrés dans un seul corps par l'agent de mise en faisceau desdits faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) et/ou par enchevêtrement desdites fibres de renforcement (11) dans lesdits faisceaux de fibres coupées adjacents (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g).
  6. Matériau de moulage (91) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit agrégat des faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) a une forme tridimensionnelle de sorte qu'il présente au moins une partie de courbure dans sa section transversale.
  7. Matériau de moulage (91) comprenant une pastille pour moulage par injection comprenant un mélange d'un grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1 et d'une résine thermoplastique.
  8. Plastique renforcé de fibres (111) comprenant un agrégat d'un grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1 et une résine matricielle combinée audit agrégat de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g).
  9. Procédé de production de matériau de moulage comprenant :
    (a) une étape de dispersion de faisceau de fibres coupées dans laquelle un grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1 sont dispersés sur une base de moulage de sorte que le grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) soient accumulés en une ou plusieurs couche(s), et
    (b) une étape de formation d'agrégat de faisceaux de fibres coupées pour former un matériau de moulage (91) comprenant un agrégat de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g), en liant ensemble le grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) dispersés sur la base de moulage pour former un agrégat.
  10. Procédé de production de matériau de moulage, comprenant :
    (a) une étape de dispersion de faisceaux de fibres coupées dans laquelle un grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) selon la revendication 1 sont dispersés sur une base de moulage comprenant une première feuille de résine formée à partir d'une résine matricielle à utiliser pour produire un matériau moulé en résine contenant des fibres de renforcement (11 ),
    (b) une étape de stratification de feuille de résine dans laquelle une deuxième feuille de résine comprenant la résine matricielle est stratifiée sur le grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (11) de la première feuille de résine ayant le grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) obtenus dans l'étape de dispersion de faisceaux de fibres coupées, et,
    (c) une étape de formation d'agrégat de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) dans laquelle un stratifié comprenant le grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) obtenus dans l'étape de stratification de feuille de résine et les première et deuxième feuilles de résine sont mises sous pression et/ou chauffées, pour combiner le grand nombre de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g) et lesdites première et deuxième feuilles de résine, pour former un agrégat de faisceaux de fibres coupées (CFB, CFB1, CFB2, CFB3, CFB5a-CFB5g).
EP08751987.2A 2007-06-04 2008-04-23 Faisceau de fibres coupées, matériau de moulage, et plastique renforcé par des fibres, et leur procédé de production Active EP2151418B1 (fr)

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JP5572947B2 (ja) 2014-08-20
ES2837455T3 (es) 2021-06-30
EP2151418A1 (fr) 2010-02-10
US8329280B2 (en) 2012-12-11
CN101711230A (zh) 2010-05-19
CN101711230B (zh) 2012-10-17
WO2008149615A1 (fr) 2008-12-11
JPWO2008149615A1 (ja) 2010-08-19
WO2008149615A9 (fr) 2010-03-11
EP2151418A4 (fr) 2017-11-29
US20100178495A1 (en) 2010-07-15

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